Sitka Ambient 100 vs 200

[gostovp]

I'm looking at getting something from the Sitka Ambient collection to wear as my active insulation layer.
I currently have the Sitka Core LW Hoody, the Sitka HW Hoody and my puffy (depending on the forecast) is either the Sitka Kelvin Aerolite (synthetic) or a SG Grumman (Down). Piece will be used on a late Sept archery elk hunt this fall.

1. Given the dates of my hunt, do I even need the Ambient?

2. Because I currently have the HW Hoody, is the Ambient a better replacement for that piece?

3. If I was to get an Ambient piece, I see the Ambient now comes in 100 and 200 weight insulation levels (where the original Ambient jacket was a 150 and the original Ambient Hoody was 100). If worn primarily for hikes in cool weather, which weight should I get?

 

[Bump79]

You'll be fine without it for sure. But I prefer an ambient style, I'd do 100 gram next time probably. I have the 150 and had the old 75. I think 100 would be the sweet spot and layer a little better.

I do a Sitka 120, Kuiu 97 then Ambient 150 if needed. If I don't really think I'll need the ambient I'll do a 200 fleece and a down jacket for emergency purposes.

 

[patagonialuke]

For archery elk in CO, I love the ambient 75 hoodie, but I usually only use it around dawn and dusk — it's often hotter than I need when moving while the sun is out.

Of course, this can be very subjective (my hunting partner will often be comfortably wearing the Ambient 100 while I'm sweating a lot in my 75).

Personally, I don't find much use for active insulation that's heavier / warmer than the Ambient 75 since it's usually too hot for me while hiking around, and if I just want warmth for when I'm not moving, a traditional puffy provides more warmth for less weight. So I use a very thin baselayer (e.g., Sitka's LW hoodie), throw on something like the Ambient 75 for high-output activity in the dark / cold, and then have a high-volume, big puffy that stays in my pack apart from extended sedentary periods and emergencies.

 

[zpearo]

You likely don't absolutely need it, but the ambient has become my favorite mid weight, both as an active outer layer and for a static mid layer. I would suggest the 100 as much more versatile, since the 200 will likely be too hot for active insulation in all but the coldest weather.

 

[dribeerfeht]

Question, do any if you know what the insulation weight of the original ambient was before they started labeling them? I have one, and gave no idea what the difference is. Thanks

 

[TNHighlands]

original was the 150 weight i believe.

I have the half zip 150 hoodie and the full zip 100 hoodie. Both are insanely warm as active layers. I wear the 100 all the time as a static outer and it's quite dynamic. I've done some heavy labor in nothing but a tshirt and ambient 150 in the middle of a snowstorm and been borderline too hot.

The one thing they do incredibly well is wicking moisture in my experience.

Both are fantastic mid layers for cold days whether active or static.

 

[SikaHuntaa]

If you wanted to have a QZ like the Original Hoody I have been real impressed with the First Lite Navigator.

I have been taking an Ambient 100 on EVERY trip I do in NZ for the past 2 years, the Navigator saves around 30grams or 1oz so doesn't really matter but it is nice to have it as a QZ in some nice solid colours.

I have a HW Hoody and that has been relegated to rugby duties

 

[K_pem]

I'm looking at getting something from the Sitka Ambient collection to wear as my active insulation layer.
I currently have the Sitka Core LW Hoody, the Sitka HW Hoody and my puffy (depending on the forecast) is either the Sitka Kelvin Aerolite (synthetic) or a SG Grumman (Down). Piece will be used on a late Sept archery elk hunt this fall.

1. Given the dates of my hunt, do I even need the Ambient?

2. Because I currently have the HW Hoody, is the Ambient a better replacement for that piece?

3. If I was to get an Ambient piece, I see the Ambient now comes in 100 and 200 weight insulation levels (where the original Ambient jacket was a 150 and the original Ambient Hoody was 100). If worn primarily for hikes in cool weather, which weight should I get?

1. No, you don't NEED it, but it will definitely be nice that time of year. Towards the end of September and into October is where those pieces will become more of a staple as you'll likely be wearing them more often. Depending on where you're going in late September, you could find yourself in it more than you think. The versatility of the Ambient type of active mid layers is mind blowing.

2. You could just rock the HW hoody for sure, but the Ambient is definitely a warmer and more versatile piece that will likely dry faster and be less of a hassle taking it on and off (or not having to).

3. If you decide to go with one, I would recommend the 100 hands down. Even the 100 for me is borderline too warm over just a Brynje mesh merino tee and Core LW hoody; so much so that I justified buying the Ambient 100 vest this last year for added versatility when it was hotter.

My north Idaho archery elk layer setup is typically something like Brynje mesh merino base, Core LW hoody, Ambient UL 60 hoody or the 100 jacket/vest, SG Grumman; With mesh boxers, Kuiu peloton 97 zip offs and Kuiu Kutana pants. That system can get me from sub-freezing nights to 80-degree days.

 

[K_pem]

Question, do any if you know what the insulation weight of the original ambient was before they started labeling them? I have one, and gave no idea what the difference is. Thanks

It was a 100 also, difference is that they added the full zip and hand pockets to make it more of a jacket. Then replaced the OG Ambient hoody with the Ambient 75 "hoody."

 

[gostovp]

original was the 150 weight i believe.

I have the half zip 150 hoodie and the full zip 100 hoodie. Both are insanely warm as active layers. I wear the 100 all the time as a static outer and it's quite dynamic. I've done some heavy labor in nothing but a tshirt and ambient 150 in the middle of a snowstorm and been borderline too hot.

The one thing they do incredibly well is wicking moisture in my experience.

Both are fantastic mid layers for cold days whether active or static.

Based on this it sounds like the Ambient might be a little overkill for early morning hiking for Sept archery, even late Sept.

 

[gostovp]

Also to update, I found an original Ambient jacket (150 insulation) at the local archery shop in my size. Only problem is they still have it at full price ($299). I could throw them an offer and see if they would discount it…

But based on the info in this thread I’m thinking the 100 weight insulation might be better…

 

[zpearo]

Also to update, I found an original Ambient jacket (150 insulation) at the local archery shop in my size. Only problem is they still have it at full price ($299). I could throw them an offer and see if they would discount it…

But based on the info in this thread I’m thinking the 100 weight insulation might be better…

If you decide you want an ambient 100, I'm selling two new (one with hood, one without) in the classifieds

 

[gostovp]

If you decide you want an ambient 100, I'm selling two new (one with hood, one without) in the classifieds

Thanks but I need an XL

 

[HNTR918]

I'm looking at getting something from the Sitka Ambient collection to wear as my active insulation layer.
I currently have the Sitka Core LW Hoody, the Sitka HW Hoody and my puffy (depending on the forecast) is either the Sitka Kelvin Aerolite (synthetic) or a SG Grumman (Down). Piece will be used on a late Sept archery elk hunt this fall.

1. Given the dates of my hunt, do I even need the Ambient?

2. Because I currently have the HW Hoody, is the Ambient a better replacement for that piece?

3. If I was to get an Ambient piece, I see the Ambient now comes in 100 and 200 weight insulation levels (where the original Ambient jacket was a 150 and the original Ambient Hoody was 100). If worn primarily for hikes in cool weather, which weight should I get?

I have the same setup you are talking about but with the original ambient 150.
My problem is the HW does not move moisture like the ambients.
I'm looking to replace my HW with the ambient 75 and then use the 150 on top.
So my new layer system will be LW, 75, 150, Down, Rain.
I'm my opinion there is no use wearing an ambient over grid fleece as the fleece does not move moisture the same as the insulation in the ambients.
Also, I like the ambient as the outer layer for archery as its very silent unlike my down or rain layers.

 

[gostovp]

Are there any other manufactures that make a similar piece? I was looking at the Atmosphere from GoHunt as well, but I've read its ridiculously long compared to the Sitka Ambient

 

[zpearo]

Are there any other manufactures that make a similar piece? I was looking at the Atmosphere from GoHunt as well, but I've read its ridiculously long compared to the Sitka Ambient

Rogers has this on sale right now for a great price. It's 150 weight, not 100. Note that the sizing is small so you'll definitely want to go up a size. I'm usually a small/med and a large fits me great in this.

Acuta Set-Up Active Insulator Jacket

Great for outerwear and layering, the Acuta Set-Up Active Insulator Jacket is perfect for your active mornings. Buy the Final Approach Acuta Set-Up Active Insulator Jacket and other great Final Approach products at Rogers Sporting Goods!

rogerslures.com

 

[K_pem]

Are there any other manufactures that make a similar piece? I was looking at the Atmosphere from GoHunt as well, but I've read its ridiculously long compared to the Sitka Ambient

Yeah ive heard the same.

@Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals is fixing to release their version here this summer also. It will be more similar to the Ambient UL60 or the 75 with the body mapping but it looks very promising!

 

[gostovp]

I think based on everything I’ve been reading I’m going to get the 100 weight full Zip Ambient Jacket. I missed the Memorial Day sales, so now hopefully they have another sale this summer….

 

[Norcal18]

[mention]gostovp [/mention] Black Ovis has it on sale, tack on 10% off and it’s $207

 

[K_pem]

I think based on everything I’ve been reading I’m going to get the 100 weight full Zip Ambient Jacket. I missed the Memorial Day sales, so now hopefully they have another sale this summer….

What size are you? I've been thinking about selling my L Mud colored one to make room for the new OV hoody and to give the GoHunt version a try.